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This session wraps up our series on the Holy Spirit with Mic Biesboer. There are some passages in the New Testament that seem more filled with mystery than clear answers regarding the work of the Holy Spirit. But the most important thing for us is paying attention to what the Holy Spirit is up to in our church and then inviting people to use their gifts. We live in Amarillo, but we are a part of the Kingdom of God. We are followers of Christ, and the Spirit helps us become missionaries—light in the world.
The most basic definition of Advent is the arrival or the coming of Jesus Christ. And it's a time and place where the world stops and pauses and pay attention.
This is an opportunity for us to talk about how God sent his son, Jesus Christ, to live and dwell among us. This is worth celebrating. This is worth spending a month of time together on and just dwelling within the fact that God sent Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior to come to Earth. This is the most wonderful time of the year. Jesus gives life, which means that this season of Christmas—this season of Advent, this time to celebrate the coming of Jesus—is also a call and challenge to us to ask ourselves: how are we giving life to the world around us?
Today we are focusing specifically and intentionally on the communion meal. It is the center of our worship time today and is a way for us to share the bread and the cup in more of a meal setting. As we approach the table for communion, may we consider the concept of worthiness and how it is that we have a seat at the table.
The first class was a quick background overview of the Holy Spirit. We looked at particular traditions and church denominations. From there in week two we talked about a theology, and also we looked at a lot of scripture regarding the Holy Spirit. So tonight we're going to specifically look at how the Holy Spirit manifests, and what I really want to pay attention to is where is the Holy Spirit working. So we're specifically going to look more in the context of community, though of course, when it's in community, it expresses itself through individuals.
What does it truly mean to be the people of God that are called to be gifting the world with something? We're not always good gift givers, are we? And yet God calls us to that life. The first action of our conversion was the gift of giving—we gave ourselves over to God. That is what sets the tone for who we are as God's people who give back.
Joining us today to preach is guest speaker Dr. David Fleer from Lipscomb University. Consider with us the story of the Prodigal Son. What character in this parable do you identify with? How do you respond to God's generous grace?
Today is Missions Sunday! We wrap up our Missions Month here at Central by focusing on our True North. If God is for us, who can stand against us?
We turn to Romans 8:28-30 this morning. The Spirit that lived in Christ and led his ministry here on earth is the same Spirit that now dwells in each of us. Knowing that we have access to this Spirit, we can live in confidence as we seek God's will in our lives.
This is a special 4-part series throughout the fall. Listen to class #2 here and learn something new about the Holy Spirit.
In the first class, we talked about the history and tradition of the Holy Spirit, how the Holy Spirit has manifested in a variety of church traditions. The questions we will ask tonight in the second class are: Where is the Spirit at work in the Trinity? What is the role of the Holy Spirit in relationship with Jesus? We're going to focus heavily on scripture for this class as well as reflect on the biblical movement of the Holy Spirit throughout Scripture.
We are still in Missions Month here at Central, and our theme this month is True North. Because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we have the opportunity for new life. We are not alone as we patiently hope for and await the Lord's return. Join us as we dwell in Romans 8:18-27 this morning.
We return to Romans 8 this week as we consider the working of the Holy Spirit. How does He work in our lives? Does He direct us in the works God has planned for us? How can we prepare ourselves to be vessels the Spirit will live within and work through? May we have eyes to see how the Spirit is at work in each of us.
We're all going in different directions, moving in different places, experiencing different environments. But this month we're going to lean into things that keep us all joined together—our true north. True North is not simply a navigation tool that just points us in one direction. True North can also mean our deepest convictions, our deepest beliefs. What defines us? Who are we? What are we doing? In a book by Bill George, he makes the statement, “If you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go together.” And that's really what this is about—us as a community on the journey together.
In the Gospel of Luke, Luke likes to spend a lot of time around a table. He is trying to invite a church that is filled with Jews and Gentiles to figure out a place where people can come together. And the reason why this is important to mention is because he's trying to get the audience to recognize two things. One is that how you live, how you posture yourself in the everyday, mundane life is significant to the Kingdom of God. That's where ministry happens. Second is that when we think about the reign of God—this God of creation, God of the heavens, God of Earth—we're talking about the God at the table. It's not just important for us to notice God in the thrills and experiences and the joys of life. But it's important for us just to see that God is there when you wake up in the morning and go throughout your day. Your home is the Kingdom of God.
Many of us grew up in some Christian faith, or at least some Christian experience. Some of us went off to church camps and Christian universities. Some of us may have encountered it later in life, but there is this moment in time where we take a glimpse at the presence, at the guidance, at the hope and the love of God, and get invited into this rich place, what we would call a garden of abundance and hopefulness and fruit and life. We are filled with the Holy Spirit, and we know that Our Calling, what we are called to be, is disciples of Jesus. But what's next? Bearing fruit in a world that desperately needs us.
The world can disappoint us. There will be seasons of life where people and experiences, churches, friends, family members—you name it—will disappoint you. And they will miss your expectations. But through Christ, He will reach out to you and he will offer you life. Something new? Something grand? Jesus will always exceed our expectations.
The principle of living wisely is not something that you hold for yourself, but it's exposed for everybody to see. You can’t hide bitterness or jealousy or addictions. You also can’t hide joy, peace, service, and sacrifice. Today you have an opportunity to showcase to the world what a foundation looks like wrapped up in the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. When we talk about being a disciple of Jesus, when we talk about the church we are going to be, how are we living? What are the ways we’re making a difference in people’s lives?
Today we go to the story of the Good Samaritan in Luke. The story begins by a man asking Jesus, "Who is my neighbor?" Let's enter this convicting story together. Look for yourself in the story and let the words of Jesus encourage and transform your heart.
We start a new sermon series this week, beginning with "Both/And" from Matthew 13:44-46. Jesus is talking with his disciples in private and describes to them the Kingdom of Heaven—the fullness of God's redeeming and saving activity in Christ for this world. Both in the present age and in the age to come.
This Sunday we will explore the differences between two short stories and how each of these stories relate to Mic Biesboer's own conversion and faith journey. There have been seasons where he has been vulnerable, down, and desperate, and there have been other times where he has sought and pursued God in his life. Each of these seasons he has experienced the great prize, the Kingdom of Heaven. Both examples are relevant and true for most people.
In the time of Jesus, it was very clear which commandments were most important. In 2000+ years, that has not changed. So, consider with us the answer to the question of this timely lesson; in life today, what matters most?
We've spent the last couple of years coming through a pandemic, unsure of what the future would be, and that mindset created a worry, an uncertainty. As Paul writes to the Christians in Philippi, we're reminded that even in uncertainty God acts, God moves. We see how He takes the new believers in the New Testament from one reality and set them down in the new reality defined by being in Christ.
The cornerstone of a building is its solid base, providing the plumb lines to form the foundation as well as to build upon that foundation. Scripture tells us in 1 Peter 2 that Jesus Christ is our cornerstone--the living Stone! It's upon this truth that we build our faith and find our footing as a chosen people called out of darkness into his wonderful light.
In the first part of his letter to the Ephesians, Paul shares his hopes and prayers for their church--that they would have eyes to see the inheritance they have in God and his great power for us who believe. Today, what is the lens we use to view what happens in our lives? Do we have eyes to see? Does God see something different?
Daily you carry in your heart everything from the outside world that confronts you. Is there a way to rid yourself of the burdens and grief you carry? Yes! There is! Join us in the Gospel of Mark as we look at the way to turn what is outside in us around so that what is inside is outed.
We look to the story of the valley of dry bones today. Dry bones and dust where once there were living, breathing humans. Yet, even when there is nothing left of a body but bones, God can breathe life into it. When your life is in the hands of this gracious God, how does your reality change?
We look at Ephesians 5:25-33 this morning. We learn a lot about people by how they love others. As you consider your earthly father or men who have impacted your life, consider how their influence has pointed you toward our Heavenly Father.
Today we jump into the story found in I Samuel 2:1-10. We see examples of prayer in this story as well as hearing the voice of the Lord. But what does prayer actually do? Does God talk to us today? Let's spend some time considering this unique way of being in God's presence.
We look at some interwoven stories in the gospel of Mark today. As Jesus moves through the city, he is faced with need, and his power moves in each person's life. In what ways do you need the power and healing of Jesus in your life?
You're probably familiar with the parable in Mark 4:21-34. Jesus explains how seed falls on different types of soil--some allowing it to fully take root, some never allowing it to enter the dirt. But he's pointing to much more than planting seeds in this story. How do we nurture the soil in our lives? How can we create space for God to work and take root in our hearts?
Join us today in Mark 2:13 - 3:6. What is the kingdom of God? The signs of the kingdom may surprise you as they did the Pharisees in Jesus' time. Consider with us the signs Jesus shows us of his kingdom.
Today we enter the story in Scripture of the paralyzed man. His friends bring him to Jesus, and his encounter with the Son of God is life-changing in two ways. Not only does the man get up and walk, but his sins are forgiven. May we understand the full freedom that comes with this gracious act of our God--our sins are forgiven. Fully.
When Jesus said to Peter, "Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men," he was saying something very important about calling. What does God's call to you look like in your life? What is he asking of you? Consider with us how the kingdom of God comes more fully when we are living into God's call and purpose for our lives.
What you believe—what you see in the world—depends on where you’re standing. To one there was the robbery at the grave of Jesus. Other people saw resurrection. We are familiar with Doubting Thomas from Scripture, but was it really so outrageous that he didn’t believe that Jesus had been raised from the dead? How connected are seeing and believing? Speaker: Wes Crawford
We journey through the story of God on this Easter Sunday--from the Passover and sacrifices to the Lamb of God, from considering Jesus' resurrection to the things yet to come. Consider with us what the resurrection of Jesus over 2000 years ago means for us today.
All of creation is bound up in life from God. We all experience the blessing and the curse from God. We all experience life and death. But from His creation to humanity, we've all been waiting for God's arrival in the world. As we see in Luke 19, the moment when Jesus entered Jerusalem, heralded by praise and riding a donkey, this was an important moment for all of creation. If the disciples were quiet, even the stones would shout.
"Turning toward" is mentioned many times throughout Scripture. We look in Exodus 3:3-4 today and see how Moses turned toward the burning bush. How does our turning toward—or turning away—from God and the opportunities he places before us affect our Christian walk and our ability to be a part of His work in the world?
We turn to Acts 20:35 today as we consider the expectations we have for those we are close to. Reality often does not meet our expectations, especially where friends and family are concerned. But there is One who completely and faithfully meets all our reasonable expectations.
Salvation matters to us individually. But salvation isn't for us alone. As followers of Jesus Christ, we have a responsibility to each other. Join us as we dig into Philippians 2 and consider how we share in salvation together.
Join us today in 2 Timothy 4:1-4 as we consider God and his powerful word. His word is eternal and full of creativity and wisdom. May we always seek to know God's eternal word.
Jesus was led into the desert, where he fasted and prayed. And then he faced temptation. His example shows us utter trust in God and release of control. How can we pay attention to the wilderness we find ourselves in and learn to trust God with our lives?
We are ritual people—rituals at home, during the holidays, in our work, and especially in our church family. As we consider this body at Central, what rituals does this community need to be a church?
What does it mean to be the church? What does it mean for us here at Central? We're not just a community by proximity, but we have the in-dwelling Holy Spirit and his power within us. The Holy Spirit gives life to the church. The Holy Spirit, working through the church, is able to bring faithfulness and peace to a divided world.
02.13.22 - What actually happens during the act of baptism? How can water do something that changes us? There is a crucial phrase used during baptism that we need to pay closer attention to. Join us as we discover what these powerful words can do for us.
02.06.22 - We turn to a story in 2 Kings 6:8-23 this morning, a passage that reminds us that God is at work in ways we may not see. How can we train our eyes and hearts to pay attention to what God is doing? Where can we notice God in our lives?
01.30.22 - We wrap up our series in Acts this morning by looking at how God is at work in the world. Can people succeed in life alone? Do we believe we need God's intervention and then act otherwise? Join us this morning as we find encouragement in the fact that God is unhindered in his redemptive action on behalf of his people. He is both transcendent and imminent.
01.16.22 - Continuing our "Church Alive!" series, we go to Acts 10. As Christian people, we're going to find ourselves in moments of liminality, moving across thresholds. In those moments, we wrestle with the possibilities of something new—that God is breaking in and using these moments of disruption to do something powerful and new.
01.09.22 - We continue our "Church Alive!" series today in Acts 2:42-47. The way the first Christians lived as a community is inspiring to us today. But were the actions of the early church truly extraordinary? Let's consider together what God can do through acts by his people that are just ordinary. It's the work of God that makes them truly extraordinary. Speaker: Carson Reed
01.02.22 - What is your anticipation for the year of 2022? We jump into Acts 2:1-12 today. Let's consider together what God has planned for each of us in this new year as well as all the ways we can turn back to Him.
12.19.21 - We enter the text of Luke 2:1-12 for compelling lesson. Whether you are familiar with the birth story of our Lord Jesus Christ, we all can find a personal connection to his Incarnation.
12.12.21 - We're focusing on joy this morning. But today's passage doesn't seem to be brimming with good news. Read through Luke 3:7-18 and join us as we discover what good news John the Baptist is referencing.
12.05.21 - In this second week of Advent, we are focusing on peace. By dwelling in Luke 1:68-79, we will look at the idea of choosing a quiet place in your life that will encourage the growth of your relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ.
11.28.21 - Today we're honored to hear the testimony of Matt Jones. Join us in sharing Matt's journey and dwelling in John 3:14-18. Speaker: Matt Jones
11.21.21 - Looking at Ephesians 2:11-22, we see that Jesus was all about building relationships and tearing down walls. How can we join Jesus in this work--today in our communities and churches and neighborhoods? Speaker: Carson Reed
11.14.21 - We find in the Gospel the most compelling of narratives, and we have our own parts to play within God's story. Consider the words from Ephesians 2:1-10 and the ways in which we can live through our remembered past. Speaker: Carson Reed
11.07.21 - This morning we have Dr. Carson Reed from the Siburt Institute bringing us our sermon. Join us in Ephesians 1:3-14 as we consider together what is holding us back from flourishing as God intends. Speaker: Carson Reed
10.31.21 - As we wrap up our Missions Month for 2021, we go to the passages in Isaiah 43:14-21 and Matthew 4:14-16. And we ask ourselves the question: what is the mission that God has set before each of us? Speaker: Wes Crawford
10.24.21 - We center on John 3:16 this morning. Seth Bouchelle joins Wes Crawford to talk through Seth's work in New York City as well as how God's reach extends throughout the world. Speaker: Wes Crawford
10.17.21 - The church has a mission—to love the world as God has loved us. We need to concentrate on those outside the walls of the church building who have not yet experienced the richness of God’s love. Join us in 1 Peter 2:9-12 this morning. Speaker: Wes Crawford
It's Missions Month, and we are focusing on The Story of God. His is a love that reaches you and me and the entire world. Join us as we look at God's great love for us and how forms the very foundation of The Story of God.
Today we jump into 2 Corinthians 5:16-21. What does it really mean to be reconciled to God through Jesus Christ our Lord?
God came to earth and took on our flesh, and in him eternal life appeared. Let's dig into the text of 1 John as we consider how Jesus' incarnational act redeemed humanity.
What does it mean to represent Christ? Join us in this message as we consider our lives as followers of Christ.
Like the Israelites against the Red Sea, God can do his best work in us when we are backed up against an impossible situation. We must learn to stop where we are, drop to our knees and pray, and roll on with the strength that God provides.
We look to Psalm 73 this week as we wrestle with the question, "What's the Use?" Let's consider how we live in this world and the effect it has on the world.
Dr. Jerry Taylor of Abilene Christian University joins us this morning with Scripture from Luke 19:1-17. Let's consider together our call to generosity.
We know that God uses us even in our frailty and weakness. Join us in 2 Corinthians 4 as we consider our lives as "Cracked Pots in the Kitchen of Life."
Acts 1 leads us into our conversation this Sunday as Dr. Eddie Sharp preaches on "Moving Into God's Preferred Future."
Dr. Chris Smith, our guest speaker from Nashville, Tennessee reminds us today of the command repeated many times throughout scripture: "Don't Be Afraid."
Today we're delving into the words from Acts 3. We see and proclaim the great power in the name of Jesus. How does the power in His great name affect how we live today?
From the passage in Jeremiah 29:11-14, Dr. Jerry Taylor challenges each of us to consider God's purpose for our lives. Rather than searching for meaning from human sources, we look to our God and seek to know him.
Please read Matthew 8:23-27 and Psalm 107:23-30 before listening to this lesson from our very own former Youth Minister, now pulpit minister at Crestview Church of Christ in Waco, Texas, Jordan Hubbard.
Preaching this Sunday, June 27, is Dr. Chris Smith. We're excited to hear what he has to share. Please join us here at Central for worship, prayer, communion, and time in God's Word.
Preaching this morning is Steve Rogers — Steve has been an elder at Central Church of Christ for many years. Listen as he shares his thoughts on this Father's Day about "Joseph - Jesus' Stepfather."
Please read 2 Corinthians 4:1-18 this week. Then join us at 10:15 this Sunday morning June 13 as Allan delivers his farewell address to Central after serving for ten years as our Senior Minister.
David at once inspires us and disgusts us. David is both a man after God’s own heart and a king after another man’s wife. We have some idea of his greatness and we are also very aware of his flaws. Let’s consider David’s mafia-style protection racket and God’s gracious work through an unlikely source to redeem a difficult situation.
David’s life is tangled up with women and wars, with family drama and national politics. It’s complicated. How can this man who is so driven by his mixed motives and so controlled by his own desires be considered a man after God’s own heart?
How can a guy who so ruthlessly massacred his enemies and so easily lied to his friends be called a “man after God’s own heart?” How can someone betray his country, commit murder to cover up a sexual affair, run a mafia-style protection racket, and still be “beloved” by so many? Let’s consider together the complex life of David that leads us to careful personal reflection and points us to the enduring love and power of God.
No one gets out of this life without enduring some kind of crisis. It's not a matter of "if," it's only "when." When the money runs out, when the spouse runs out, when your health runs out, or, sometimes, when the wine runs out. When the crisis comes, how will you respond? Will you react by instinct, will you fly by the seat of your pants, or will you lean into your relationship with God in Christ?
Today we look at Mary the mother of Jesus. In many ways, yes, she is the model mom. But in several other ways, she’s less than perfect. Mary made her share of poor decisions she wished she could do over. Not all her interactions with her holy Son were perfect. But God’s grace is sufficient for her and for her children. Just as it is for you and yours.
We shouldn’t really begin a Re|Start as a church family until we’ve first reflected on where we’ve been and where we are. Even as individual disciples of Jesus, we can’t really turn the page on something new, something post-pandemic, until we have taken a hard look at what God has done during the pandemic.
The resurrection and ascension of Jesus did not end the Gospel practice of eating and drinking with our Lord. Everything Jesus did around the table in Luke – revelation, redemption, relationship – he is still doing today. By the power and mystery of the Holy Spirit, disciples of Christ are still sharing meals with God and with one another.
The stories of the resurrection meals in Luke 24 perfectly mirror our experience as Christians. We go through seasons of dismay, frustration, and doubt. Then we take our places at the table and we realize that Christ Jesus himself is with us. He warms our hearts with his truth, he comforts us with his presence, and he assures us with his peace. Jesus’ presence with us at the table is the proof that God’s promises are true.
Jesus served a Passover meal to his disciples on the night he was betrayed. And if we’ll look more closely at that Passover context, our weekly communion meals will take on a whole new depth of richness and meaning for our Christian transformation and ministry.
God alone through Christ has paid the price for the great feast. He alone has made the arrangements, prepared the table, and provided the meal. “Come to the feast!” he says. His invitation is for you. It’s for everyone. And the time to accept it is right now.
When Jesus is invited to a Pharisee’s house for dinner, our Lord uses the occasion to insult everybody around the table. He lays into the religious leaders, calling them hypocrites and attention-seekers, accusing them of doing more harm than good to God’s people. It’s not that Jesus is merely calling out the Pharisees and Teachers of the Law for their hypocrisy. It’s that Jesus clearly sees where this kind of behavior leads, and he wants it to stop before it destroys everybody.
Jesus is teaching and healing the crowds in the middle of the wilderness. All these people are hungry with nothing to eat, and Jesus tells his apostles, “You give them something to eat.” Let’s consider together the revelation, redemption, and relationship experienced in this important meal with our Lord. And our response to God’s gracious provision.
There are four words every man, woman, and child need to hear. They are the four most important words ever spoken in any language. They have the power to comfort and to heal, to inspire new possibilities and to create new life, regardless of your station in life, your blurry past, your uncertain present, your perceived future, or your own views of yourself and your world no matter how accurate or distorted they may be.
Meals are important as a place to experience and express community, acceptance, unity, and fellowship; for sharing, for getting to know other people, and for passing on and receiving wisdom. Together we are exploring seven meals that Jesus shared with others in the Gospel of Luke. This week we consider the meal at Levi’s house, during which our Lord refers to himself as a doctor who has come to heal the sick.
Guest speaker Dr. Jerry Taylor joins us from Abilene Christian University this morning. From the words of scripture found in Colossians 3:15-17, he leads us to consider together living into the peace that Christ brings.
At the end of the story of Naomi and Ruth, God has moved this pair of widows from famine to feast, from emptiness to fullness, from bitterness to joy, from devastating death to everlasting life. As our redeemer, Jesus takes everything in our lives that has gone wrong and makes it right. He fixes in our lives what is broken. Whatever havoc the pandemic has wreaked in your life, whatever lingering effect you still feel, our God is committed to taking all of it into himself and creating something beautiful and eternal and new.
In a recent survey of 1,000 American adults, 58% said the COVID-19 pandemic has changed their lives forever. There is no doubt the global pandemic has shifted society and changed our culture in irrevocable ways. But we also know that God is at work. A new normal is not to be feared, it is to be embraced as God’s time and place for something beautiful and eternal and new.
This is the turning point in the story of Naomi and the turning point of our “Everything New!” series at Central. This is when you realize that God is at work in the bitterness and pain. Even in the middle of tremendous loss, God is moving the pieces into place and working out the timing and the details of his magnificent plans for your life.
When you look at yourself, do you focus on your struggles and your sins or on your holiness and righteousness in Christ? God is moving you into a brand-new place. And once you see it, your life will never be the same.
We kick off a five-part sermon series that reflects on the past difficulties of 2020 and explores the hopeful potential of the new year. “Everything New!” looks at our current circumstances through the story of Ruth, a young woman who was forced by a global crisis to move to a new place with God.
Psalm 130 gives dignity to human suffering and then gives that human suffering to God. It reminds us that suffering is a normal part of what it means to be alive on this earth. It reminds us who we are in our suffering and where God is. Psalm 130 gives us hope.